Tekken 8 veteran Anna Williams’ redesigned look is generating mixed reactions. While many fans applaud the update, some are less enthusiastic, with comparisons to Santa Claus surfacing due to her new coat.
Responding to criticism requesting a return to her previous design, Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada stated that past iterations remain available, and that while the majority welcomes the change, individual preferences should be respected. He criticized the negativity and demands for a reversion, emphasizing the significant redesign effort and the disrespect shown towards fans who appreciate the new look. Harada's firm response followed another commenter's criticism of the lack of older Tekken games with updated online functionality on modern systems.
Positive feedback focuses on the overall design, with some appreciating the edgier, more vengeful aesthetic, and the new hair style complementing the outfit. However, the coat's resemblance to Santa Claus remains a common point of contention, along with the perceived youthfulness of the design, and an overall feeling that the outfit is overly accessorized. Some critics find the coat detracts from the overall look, preferring the leotard, tights, boots, and gloves. The white feathers on the coat are also a point of dislike, contributing to the Santa Claus comparison. Concerns are raised about the outfit making Anna appear younger and less like the dominatrix character of previous iterations. The bright red coat, white fur trim, and black belt are cited as elements that strongly evoke a Santa Claus costume.
Despite the negative comments, Tekken 8's sales figures are impressive, surpassing Tekken 7's sales pace, and achieving 3 million copies sold within a year of its release. IGN's review praised Tekken 8's improvements to its fighting system, offline modes, character additions, training tools, and online experience, awarding it a 9/10 score.
